The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has voiced its displeasure with the International Cricket Council (ICC) following the release of the promotional poster for the upcoming T20 World Cup ticket sales, which conspicuously omits Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha. The poster, released on Thursday, December 11, 2025, to mark the commencement of ticket sales, features only five captains: Suryakumar Yadav (India), Aiden Markram (South Africa), Mitchell Marsh (Australia), Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka), and Harry Brook (England).
According to sources within the PCB, this matter has been formally raised with the ICC. A PCB official described the omission as "surprising" and "concerning," further suggesting that the exclusion of Captain Agha indicates a bias against Pakistan. The PCB plans to lodge an official protest with the ICC.
A reliable source within the PCB stated, "We faced the same issues when the Asia Cup was held a few months back, and that time the broadcasters had started a promotional campaign without our captain featuring in it". The source added that the situation was resolved after the PCB engaged with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The PCB is hoping for a similar resolution with the ICC for the T20 World Cup.
Despite Pakistan not currently ranking in the top five of the ICC T20 rankings, the PCB emphasized the nation's rich cricketing legacy and its significant fan base, asserting that Pakistan remains a major attraction in the World Cup. The PCB remains optimistic that the ICC will include the Pakistan captain in future promotional materials and campaigns.
However, some voices suggest that the ICC might not be as responsive in this situation compared to the Asia Cup incident. A former Pakistani player, speaking anonymously, stated, "Why is this surprising? India dominates the ICC and excludes Pakistani players from their promotional activities, posters, and advertisements".
The T20 World Cup is set to be played in India and Sri Lanka. The schedule has been released, with Pakistan beginning their campaign against the Netherlands on February 7.
